Ed Jackson wins Tenn. Senate primary

With 59 percent of the votes, retired businessman and Jackson native Ed Jackson won the Republican primary for the District 27 State Senate seat.

He will face Democrat Randy Lamb and independent candidate James Baxter in the November general election. Lamb was unopposed in the Democratic primary. The district is made up of Madison, Crockett, Dyer, Lake and Lauderdale counties.

"It's a wonderful thing," Jackson said.

Before some friends approached him about running for office, Jackson said he had never considered it.

"This is just the first half of the race," Jackson said. "The next half is going to be tough, but I'm ready for it, and I'm going to start tomorrow."

Jackson hopes his experience as a small business owner for 35 years will help him as the state senator for District 27.

An opponent of Common Core, Jackson hopes to join the education committee if he is elected to the state Senate.

He also hopes to be able to attract new businesses to West Tennessee by improving the educated work force.

Jackson said that if he is elected Nov. 4, he hopes he will be able to bring more jobs into the district and make a better Tennessee.

His Republican primary opponent was Brandon Dodds, the owner of EyeCare on Main Street in Newbern, where he is the lead doctor. Dodds has served for two years on the Dyer County Commission, where he serves on the education and alcohol committees.

"I want to congratulate Ed Jackson," Dodds said. "He ran a good, clean race, and he did a good job."

Dodds calls himself a staunch constitutionalist, and he believes in a strong state government.

"I had a great time and met so many wonderful people and really appreciate the help they gave me," Dodds said. "They really went above and beyond, and I appreciate all their efforts."